Beef Stew with Ghoulish Mashed Potatoes Recipe

Kids of all ages will be delighted with the seasonal twist on this hearty beef stew, which also features mushrooms and parsnips. Rich mashed potato "ghosts" are piped onto each bowlful. The cook will love the convenient slow cooker preparation. —Taste of Home Test Kitchen

Directions

In a 5-qt. slow cooker, combine the first 11 ingredients. Cover and cook on low for 8-9 hours or until beef and vegetables are tender.

About 30 minutes before serving, place potatoes in a large saucepan and cover with water. Bring to a boil. Reduce heat; cover and simmer for 15-20 minutes or until tender. Drain. Return potatoes to pan; add the sour cream, butter and 1/2 teaspoon salt. Mash until smooth.

Set aside 12 peas for garnish. Add remaining peas to the slow cooker. Increase heat to high. In a bowl, whisk the flour, water and remaining salt until smooth; stir into stew. Cover and cook for 5 minutes or until thickened.

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fnstlug User ID: 3658849176959

Reviewed Sep. 6, 2014

"Super tasty on a cold fall evening, especially the mashed potatoes. Plus tons of compliments on how cute the ghosts are. It does take a bit of work, but I would say it is totally worth it."

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cherylrein User ID: 2921847110414

Reviewed Oct. 16, 2013

"I haven't made this yet, but will. ChandiP, what type of beef stew mix makes it thicken up? I go through a lot of trouble pouring the liquid out at the end, making it thicken on the stove with corn starch and them pouring the gravy back in. Anyone out there know how to make it thicken better in the crock pot? I have never had any luck with pouring in the flour mixture."

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ChandiP User ID: 3885565118623

Reviewed Jul. 28, 2012

"I loved this stew it was fun to make I did make a few changes though. I browned the beef in some flour and a packet of beef stew mix in a little bit of oil before putting it in the crock pot, So I didn't have to add the thickener at the end it came out perfect. I did however add a little more both at the beginning. I used left over mashed potatoes and just warmed them up in the microwave before making the ghost and I also added a sliced olive for a mouth. Aside from those changes I followed the ingredients exactly. We will be making this stew year round because its just fun and different."

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milosmommy User ID: 3662215118622

Reviewed Nov. 5, 2011

"So cute! I made this early Halloween morning and it cooked all day. We came home from a night of trick or treating and gobbled it up! YUM!"

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The Contessa User ID: 3359388176957

Reviewed Oct. 30, 2011

"I haven't made this yet, but I just wanted to comment on the sheer genius of the ghoulish potatoes, really awesome."

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mrssarge User ID: 2654969103836

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2010

"I did modify it somewhat. I added some water cuz it didnt seem like much liquid was in crock pot. Also added 4 bouillon cubes cuz it tasted like it was lacking flavor. Could be cuz I added the water. Also since I added more liquid, needed to double the thickener at the end. My families comment was maybe cut back a bit on the cloves. So next time may do 1/4 tsp instead of 1/2 tsp."

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the holmes User ID: 4912630142907

Reviewed Oct. 31, 2010

"I love the ghoust mashed potatoes that we put n the delicous soup! It was purfect for after trick or treating!"

MY REVIEW

sussyk User ID: 5418861118604

Reviewed Oct. 25, 2010

"This recipe is not only good and tasty because of the beef and veggies, but also cute! my grandchildren just love it! I took off the red potatoes, since I was going to use the mash potatoes on top of the stew! It is mmmmmmm good!"